Category Uncategorized

Belgian club Lokeren have staunchly defended former Belgium and Inter midfielder Radja Nainggolan following reports he faces prosecution over allegations of money laundering. Chairman Hans Van Duysen maintained that Nainggolan is innocent until proven guilty, as the case has yet to go to trial. He also expressed frustration over the negative attention the situation has drawn due to Nainggolan’s high-profile career and decorated past.

• Nainggolan's troubled past

  Nainggolan was arrested in January as part of an ongoing investigation by the Brussels public prosecutor’s office into drug trafficking operations from South America to Europe. He spent a night in jail and had his car seized by authorities as he was held as a suspected member of a criminal gang. The arrest came amid 30 searches conducted by Brussels police on Monday morning across Brussels and Antwerp. The incident marks another controversial chapter in Nainggolan’s turbulent career, which has been marred by disciplinary issues. In 2018, while playing for Roma, he was dropped and fined after posting a video on social media appearing intoxicated. In 2022, during his spell at Royal Antwerp, he was suspended after being seen smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench, an act the club claimed set a poor example for younger players. Despite the latest controversy, Nainggolan’s current club Lokeren has come forward to defend him publicly.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Van Duysen's defence of Nainggolan

  Lokeren chairman Van Duysen has come to Nainggolan's defence, stating that the offences are only alleged and that the player should only face punishment if the charges are proven. 

  “He hasn't been charged yet, let alone convicted in the first instance or on appeal. So you can't just assume he'll get five years in prison,” he told

  “Fortunately, we still live in a constitutional state. A person is innocent until proven guilty. Radja has the right to a fair trial.”

  Van Duysen also acknowledged the negative attention surrounding the case due to Nainggolan’s decorated career, saying: “This isn't pleasant. We're a football club with a certain level of visibility and press coverage. If Radja were a grey mouse, you wouldn't call. But as a former Rode Duivel, he has a media-savvy past.”

• Nainggolan wrapped up in criminal investigation

  Nainggolan’s name has surfaced in connection with a drug smuggling investigation, though he is not suspected of any direct involvement. His mention in the case stems from the revelation that he had received €105,500 in cash from Nasr-Eddine Sekkaki, the main accused in the case. At the time, Nainggolan’s bank accounts were frozen due to his ongoing divorce, leaving him temporarily unable to access his own funds.

  In his statement to investigators, the Belgian midfielder explained that he had requested the money to continue supporting charitable initiatives and underprivileged individuals, consistent with his long-standing reputation for generosity and community work. Once his financial situation improved, Nainggolan repaid the full amount by transferring the money to an account belonging to Sekkaki’s mother, thereby clearing all outstanding dues.

  However, this transaction has prompted prosecutors to question whether Nainggolan might have unknowingly participated in money laundering on behalf of the accused. His lawyer has firmly rejected any such implication, emphasising that an allegation from the public prosecutor’s office does not amount to a conviction and that there is no evidence linking Nainggolan to any criminal or smuggling activities.

  Lokeren chairman Van Duysen believes that Nainggolan’s personal life is not the club’s concern as long as it does not interfere with his professional responsibilities. He said: “Football is our core business. We are not concerned with who our players associate with in the evenings.” 

  However, Van Duysen also cautioned that this stance could change if personal matters began to affect the club’s operations, adding: “That is only relevant if it seriously disrupts their professional activities. At present, I have no indication that this is the case, although that may change tomorrow.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Lokeren and Nainggolan's upcoming challenge

  Lokeren will hope that Nainggolan’s case proceeds to trial and that he is found innocent of all the allegations against him, allowing the midfielder to fully focus on helping the club in the Challenger Pro League.

Still on the hunt for their next manager, Rangers and those at Ibrox are now reportedly targeting a manager who’s made history in English football.

Rangers shortlist growing

A number of names have been mentioned since Steven Gerrard’s unexpected decision, but the Gers remain without a replacement for Russell Martin. With Rangers back in action against Dundee United this weekend, to say that their current situation is far from ideal would be an understatement.

The 49ers still have a number of options, however. They could still turn towards the likes of Danny Rohl or perhaps even Hearts manager Derek McInnes. The 54-year-old is doing an excellent job at Hearts right now and has them top of the Scottish Premiership, two points above champions Celtic. For many at Ibrox, he would be the next Rangers manager in an ideal world.

Whether the 49ers can lure the Hearts boss away from his current role is another question entirely. Instead, they may be forced to look elsewhere and towards English football.

Whether that means turning to Rohl will be interesting to see. The former Sheffield Wednesday boss is one of the most exciting managerial prospects around and did an admirable job in a difficult position at Hillsborough. The 36-year-old wouldn’t be the safest choice given his inexperience, but he could be worth taking a gamble on.

It’s not just McInnes on the list, though. Former Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky has also emerged as a potential candidate. A title winner in Switzerland, the 48-year-old may not be a well-known name, but he is someone who has had impressive success in recent years.

The same can also be said for a Championship manager, who even has some historic moments on his side if Rangers come calling.

Rangers now targeting Kieran McKenna

According to TeamTalk, Rangers are now targeting Kieran McKenna. The Ipswich Town boss has emerged as one of the candidates for the job after impressing during his time at Portman Road, with Ashley Young calling him a “winner”.

One of just five managers to achieve back-to-back promotions from League One all the way to the Premier League, it’s hard to doubt McKenna’s ability to transform a club. And whilst Ipswich have since been relegated back to the Championship, the manager’s reputation is still more than intact, with many full of belief in his expertise.

Rangers left impressed after Ibrox talks with "amazing" 4-2-3-1 manager

Is he the right man for the Ibrox job?

ByHenry Jackson Oct 12, 2025

The biggest task for Rangers will be prying McKenna away from Ipswich. The 39-year-old has been at the club since the 2021/22 campaign and still has work to do as those at Portman Road eye an instant return to the Premier League.

If the 49ers did manage to lure the former Manchester United coach away from Suffolk in the coming weeks, then the transition could be smoother than ever. McKenna plays the same 4-2-3-1 system as Russell Martin, albeit without the clear weaknesses that the former manager had.

Vinicius Junior is no longer "untouchable" at Real Madrid, according to reports, with Los Blancos prepared to sanction a sale if the right offer arrives. That deal would need to smash all kinds of records, with the Spanish giants demanding €250 million (£217m/$290m) for their Brazil international forward. Few teams can afford to meet that asking price, but big-spending sides in the Saudi Pro League could.

Fresh Vinicius Jr rumours after €1 billion contract talk

Ambitious outfits from that part of the world have previously seen a move for Vinicius speculated on. When he was at the peak of his powers, as a leading contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, it was suggested that the South American could be handed a contract worth €1 billion (£868m/$1.2bn). No deal was done, but the rumours remain.

There is still the possibility of Vinicius following ex-Real Madrid superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Middle East. He has registered five goals and four assists through 10 appearances this season, but has seen Kylian Mbappe become the main man at Santiago Bernabeu.

AdvertisementGettyVinicius Jr contract: Real Madrid may listen to offers

Real have plenty of alternative attacking talent at their disposal and are forever in the market for ‘Galactico’ additions. Bringing in huge money for Vinicius would allow them to reinvest in other areas of Xabi Alonso’s squad.

A sale may just happen, with claiming that: “Vinicius Junior is no longer untransferable to Real Madrid! The club is reportedly seriously considering a sale to Saudi Arabia next summer. The expected amount? No less than €250 million for the Brazilian star. A scenario that seemed unthinkable just a few months ago.”

Vinicius is only tied to a contract in Spain through to the summer of 2027, meaning that some big decisions on his future are fast approaching. If he were to indicate that no extension will be signed, then Real would have little choice but to open themselves up to offers.

It has been claimed that Al-Ahli are in “direct talks” with representatives of the Brazilian superstar. They are supposedly prepared to table a bid that would eclipse the world-record €222m (£193m/$257m) transfer that took Neymar away from Barcelona and over to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

Confidence in Saudi Pro League that deal can be done

Leading figures in the Middle East have previously stated their confidence when it comes to bringing Vinicius on board. Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, told in January 2025: “We don't have dreams, it's a matter of time and negotiation. Foreign players have always been part of Saudi teams. In recent years, the number of possible foreign players in teams has changed. This season we have included the number of eight plus two others under 21 years of age.

“It has always been in the DNA of this league to bring in players from outside to make it more attractive. What has changed massively, especially in the last two years, has been the quality of the players who come. Benzema, among others, create a bigger impact, both nationally and internationally.”

Al-Ittihad sporting director Ramon Planes, who once filled a similar position at Barcelona, told in July of Vinicius treading the same path as Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo: “I don't rule it out.

“I think it's part of the idea and plan to be one of the most powerful leagues in the world. The World Cup has been a good test for the Saudi league. Within that plan, to allow players to come at an important point in their careers, Vinícius could be included.

“He has everything in his favor. If you analyse the profile of the player who comes, even in our team, last summer we made a lot of moves and were market shakers. Players like Steven Bergwijn, [Houssem] Aouar, Moussa Diaby are coming. Players who are 25, 26, 27 years old, in good moments of their careers. Plus, the youngsters we're banking on, like Unai Hernández or Mario Mitaj. I don’t rule it out at all…and Vinícius certainly has all the conditions to join this league.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWhat next for Vinicius Jr? Brazil duty & return to Madrid

Vinicius remains on Real Madrid’s books for now and will be looking to help them cement a standing at the top of La Liga when returning to domestic action against Getafe on Sunday – with Vini currently away with the Brazil national team as they play friendly fixtures in Asia.

Liverpool could now look to table an “increased bid” for a brilliant player in the coming days, Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol reports.

Liverpool suffer injury blow before Newcastle

The Reds are preparing for a tough trip to Newcastle United on Monday night, with the Alexander Isak saga only adding an extra spark to the game. It will be a big test for Arne Slot’s Premier League champions, and unfortunately, Liverpool’s head coach has confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong will be absent with a hamstring injury that will keep him out until next month.

“The medical team was completely right about it, to tell me I had to take him off [against Bournemouth]. He’s out until the end of the international break, and that happened in the game. I think I got criticised a bit for taking him off, didn’t I?

“I already said immediately after the game it had nothing to do with how he played. “We felt he had an issue with the hamstring, the medical staff, and they were completely right. Good call to take him off, otherwise he would maybe have been out for longer. We expect him to be back after the international break.”

Away from on-pitch matters, a key Liverpool transfer update has now emerged, as the Reds up the ante in their attempts to sign a long-time target.

Palace "cannot" let Guehi's deal run down

According to Solhekol, Liverpool may now submit an “increased bid” for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with Steve Parish determined not to lose him for free when his contract expires next summer. However, it may be dependent on Palace’s UEFA Conference League action.

“It is possible [Marc Guehi leaves Crystal Palace in this window], it depends on what happens in the game tonight (Thursday). If they win the game easily so that almost they’re through the playoff, it doesn’t matter about the return leg next week, I can see a situation where maybe Liverpool step up their interest in Guehi and make an increased bid for him in the next couple of days.

“And then Palace would have a decision to make. But having heard from [chairman] Steve Parish, he said we cannot have a situation where a player as good as Guehi leaves on a free transfer next summer. So they would possibly be open to selling both those players [Eberechi Eze as well].”

The Reds will have to force the Eagles’ hand a bit after they only managed a 1-0 win against Fredrikstad in their Conference League qualifer, with Oliver Glasner saying after the match: “I just know if Marc leaves and he’s not available for Fredrikstad we will have big troubles. It’s pretty clear, we can’t register anyone, so from my side he has to stay.”

A new centre-back is so important for Liverpool this summer, with too much reliance on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate staying fit, despite bringing in exciting teenager Giovanni Leoni from Parma. Guehi has always felt like an ideal choice to come in, considering he is a Premier League captain who has become an established player for England, being hailed as “world class” by Three Lions teammate Ezri Konsa.

Liverpool readying blockbuster late move, they think he's their next Salah

He could become their record signing.

By
Callum Kemp

Aug 21, 2025

The £50,000-a-week defender could provide great competition in Liverpool’s defence, and with doubts persisting over Konate’s long-term future, he could even be the future leader of Slot’s back-line at Anfield.

Inter have been hit with a major blow as star striker Marcus Thuram will be sidelined for over a month due to a thigh injury. The French forward had initially downplayed the problem after Inter’s 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague but recent scans portray a lengthy absence. Now, with a congested fixture schedule looming, manager Cristian Chivu faces the daunting task of reshaping his attack.

Marcus Thuram faces injury setback

Thuram’s promising season hit a sudden hurdle after he sustained a thigh injury during Inter’s 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague. Although he tried to reassure fans in a light-hearted post-match display, showing he was “fine,” medical tests have confirmed he will be out until at least October 25. This means Thuram will miss key Serie A clashes, including the clash against Roma, the Champions League fixture at Union Saint-Gilloise, and possibly a crucial away game against Napoli.

Thuram’s stats this season underline the magnitude of the blow: in seven league appearances, he has scored five goals and provided two assists. His absence removes one of Inter’s main attacking threats, forcing manager Chivu to rethink his forward options.

AdvertisementAFPWho will replace Thuram in the frontline?

With Thuram sidelined, Inter’s attacking burden will likely fall on Pio Esposito and Ange Yoan Bonny. Bonny has shown glimpses of potential and is probably Chivu’s preferred backup striker. Esposito, meanwhile, could carve out more space and opportunity given Thuram’s absence, especially with his pace and agility. Esposito has featured in five league games, mostly as a substitute, scoring once, while Bonny has one goal in seven appearances. Chivu must decide whether to rely on experience, youth, or a combination of both to maintain attacking fluidity during this critical period.

Earlier, the Inter manager had also praised Esposito for his spectacular performance in their win against Sassuolo. The ex-Parma coach claimed he was pleased with Esposito's performance and believes the striker can mix well with others in the front while having the caliber to do a bit of everything.

Inter's struggles mount with worst Serie A start

Inter have been struggling with a poor run of form this season, marking their worst start in 14 years. Despite a strong opening 5-0 win over Torino, a loss to Udinese and a dramatic 4-3 defeat against Juventus have exposed vulnerabilities in the squad. The team has struggled against top Serie A sides, winning just three out of five matches and losing two, revealing issues in both attack and defense. Injuries, inconsistent performances from key players like Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, and tactical challenges under new coach Chivu have contributed to this slide.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesChance for Cristian Chivu to shift tactics

Inter could evolve tactically under Chivu by shifting from a traditional striker focus to a more fluid attack. Midfielders like Barella and Calhanoglu may push forward more aggressively, while wing-backs tuck in centrally to support build-up play. This change could make Inter less predictable and more versatile, turning the injury setback into a chance for tactical growth and new attacking options.

Tottenham Hotspur have made two high-profile additions to their playing squad during the summer transfer window in an attempt to improve Thomas Frank’s squad.

Mohammed Kudus was signed on a permanent deal from West Ham United earlier in the summer, and Joao Palhinha recently joined from Bayern Munich on an initial loan deal.

The Lilywhites will be hoping that the Portugal international can provide a solid presence in front of the back four, sweeping up to win possession back for his side on a regular basis.

There is still more work to be done by Daniel Levy and Frank before the summer transfer window slams shut, though, after the injury to James Maddison.

The England international is set to miss the majority of the 2025/26 campaign after he suffered an ACL injury, which has left Spurs light in the attacking positions.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that the Europa League champions will be “looking at the market” to find a potential replacement for Maddison for the upcoming season.

Why Spurs need to replace James Maddison

The Lilywhites are right to be looking at possible replacements for the former Norwich and Leicester star because his absence will be felt within the squad.

Maddison ended the 2024/25 campaign with a haul of ten goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Spurs, and he has hit double figures for goals in four of the last five seasons for Tottenham and Leicester combined.

The English playmaker has proven that he can deliver goals and assists on a fairly regular basis, and he offered a leadership presence as one of the vice-captains behind Heung-min Son last term.

Maddison’s performances in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou last season show how important he can be to the team with his contributions at the top end of the pitch from an attacking midfield position.

As you can see in the table above, the 28-year-old star ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics, as the English ace provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

These statistics illustrate how big a blow it was to lose Maddison to an ACL injury for most of the upcoming season, because he is an effective attacking force who has proven himself over many years at the top level.

That is why Spurs need to find a replacement for him before the end of the summer transfer window, and they are reportedly keen on a star who plays for one of their Premier League rivals, and it is not Morgan Gibbs-White…

Spurs eyeing deal for Manchester City midfielder

According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to sign Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee this summer.

The report claims that the Lilywhites have identified the England U21 international as one of a number of potential replacements for Maddison, and that the club are now weighing up who to go for.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It adds that teams in Germany and England are also eyeing up the former Sheffield United star, but they have been put off by the £40m price tag on his head.

GIVEMESPORT reveals that McAtee is interested in a move to North London and is currently waiting to see if Spurs are prepared to formalise their interest with an offer.

The outlet states that Tottenham are not put off by the £40m asking price, suggesting that they are prepared to pay the asking price, but they have yet to decide whether or not McAtee is the player they are going to make a big push for.

Why Spurs should sign James McAtee

The Manchester City youngster could be a shrewd addition to the squad as a replacement for Maddison, as he could be the ideal player to fill the gap in the squad.

A potential issue with ‘replacing’ Maddison is that the club also have to be aware that he will, hopefully, return to action before the end of the 2025/26 campaign and will be an option moving forward.

McAtee, at the age of 22, may be happy to play regularly for most of this season before competing with Maddison for a starting role next year and beyond. Whereas an established, 28-year-old, £60m+ signing may expect to start every week even when Maddison is back fit, which could be a difficult situation to manage in the future.

The left-footed attacking midfielder only played 27 matches in all competitions as a bit-part player for City last season, but still managed to find the back of the net seven times.

McAtee, who was described as a “special” player by Pep Guardiola, only started three of his 15 appearances in the Premier League for City, but showed glimpses of the quality that he can offer.

As you can see in the table above, the English whiz ranked highly among his positional peers in per 90 metrics, which shows that he produced quite a lot in his limited minutes on the pitch.

Whether he is able to maintain that output as a consistent starter is still up in the air, but Cole Palmer is the prime example that being a reserve player at Manchester City does not mean you cannot shine elsewhere.

McAtee also scored one goal and provided two assists in five starts at the U21 Euros for England, winning the tournament, during the summer, which shows what he can do when given regular minutes as well.

Frank's answer to Palmer: Spurs enter talks to sign "exceptional" £40m gem

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be about to make another huge move in the market to bolster Thomas Frank’s squad.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 9, 2025

Overall, McAtee’s potential to deliver goals and assists, or at least the xA that should result in assists, as an attacking midfielder in the Premier League could make him a dream signing for Spurs, along with his age meaning that he still has plenty of room left to grow and develop.